Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. wrote the “Letter to Birmingham Jail” explaining the injustices in America, and especially in Birmingham. King and his followers have collected the facts and are now ready to take direct action. They know that the injustices ongoing in Birmingham and the refusal of city officials to negotiate or fail to follow through when they do. The self-purification process has started. It is about becoming educated and recognizing what’s next.
King isn’t just speaking to his fellow Clergymen. He is also speaking for all of humanity. “All segregation regulations are unjust, segregation distorts and damages the personality”, King says. He is not referring to his fellow Clergymen. The souls of African Americans would be affected and their personalities damaged. Anyone who causes this would receive a false lift on their personality. This would cause emotional and psychological trauma that would last a lifetime. King says it is morally unacceptable and urges civil disobedience of segregation. He compares 1963’s situation to the earlier days when Adolf Hitler illegally killed Jewish people in Germany. King claims that King would comfort and help a Jewish person in crisis because he believes it is morally right. This clearly demonstrates how civil disobedience to the law is acceptable because it is morally right to do so. King agrees to St. Augustine’s “An unjust Law is No Law at All” example of the “outside Agitator Idea” which states that if someone is not from this country, they cannot live here. Everything that has an effect on one person in the country affects everyone else in some way. “Birmingham may be the most segregated US city.” King claims that Birmingham is not the only place where injustices are occurring. The injustice issue is only one problem in the bigger picture. This is connected to racial justice on a global level, and not just within Birmingham. Birmingham has unsolved bombings, unjust treatment, and unsolved home bombings. These are all facts.
King believes now is the best time to change our national policy away from the quicksands and injustices of race and to the solid rock and dignity of human humanity. King asserts strongly that the people of Africa have endured more than 340 year’s worth of hardships before they can claim their constitutional and God granted rights. King lists almost 100 examples of the horrors African Americans have endured because those who have not experienced segregation are unable to grant their basic civil rights. He states that they should stop waiting and saying “wait.”
King and his supporters have attempted to negotiate with city officials, but they refuse. They are now ready to take direct action. King hopes to create an atmosphere that is uncomfortable for city officials and make it possible to bring about the desired change. King’s goal is to make it possible for negotiations to take place. King acknowledges that people have questioned him calling for direct action, which is a sign that he does the right thing and they feel pressured. Martin Luther King Jr. will spread freedom the same way Apostle Paul did with Jesus Christ’s word, while they were both away from their home. He has a deep understanding of the Bible and the history and origins of Christianity. Because of this, he is able to relate himself to Apostle Paul and try to convert others to Christianity. This is King’s duty and he will continue to do so, just like Paul did in responding to the Macedonian request for assistance. Americans who believe in the truth of King’s words are his followers. They also have to be able to see the relationship between Christianity and morality. His brother from Texas wrote that “All Christians know the color of the people who will be granted equal rights.” …”. King mentions this in his letter, as he compares his journey with that of Christianity.
Overall Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a great ambassador for freedom in America and sent a powerful message. King’s nonviolent direct action and parades were a catalyst for change and he made a difference that had an impact on everyone. The essay explains that King’s “Letter From Birmingham Jail” highlights the injustice in Birmingham, Alabama. King revealed that the injustices in Birmingham, Alabama are not limited to that particular city. The United States of America and Birmingham are closely connected. That is, the injustices occurring there are linked with the whole racial injustice throughout the United States. This letter was not just for his fellow clergymen, but for all.